ANGEL HIERARCHY IN JUDAISM
The hierarchy for angels depends on both the religion & branch when it comes to Abrahamic religions.
This is specifically within the case for Judaism as well as of the types within the religion of course.
This is specifically from Maimonides, Mishneh Torah.
1 | CHAYOT HA KODESH
Described as the highest rank within Judaism, they hold God’s supposed throne. Sometimes shortened to the Chayot, meaning “ Holy Living Ones.” The first choir of angels.
Described as having three pairs of wings, like that of the Seraphim. Many eyes but not much else is known of their appearance further.
2 | OPHANIM
Second below the Chayot, the Ophanim do not sleep, as they guard God’s throne in Heaven & must be constantly vigilant. They have great wisdom & are known for this.
They are described as the closest to God. & are a ‘wheel’. Made of prismatic flame, one inside another, covered as well in eyes.
They role as thinkers, observers, and teachers.
3 | ERELIM
Marked by courage & understanding, they are beneath the Ophanim. Unfortunately, I am having trouble finding much more on them.
As said in Kabbalah, archangel Tzaphkiel leads the Erelim.
4 | HASHMALLIM
Known for love, kindness, & grace. Archangel Tzaphkiel also leads them. They lay below the Erelim. Known as ‘The Electric Ones’.
As the Erelim, unfortunately, I was unable to find much, my apologies.
5 | SERAPHIM
They are noted for their work when it comes to Justice. Archangel Chamuel leads the Seraphim.
They have six wings, & feathers glowing like flames. They are “ The Burning Ones”.
Of the many aspects of what the Seraphim do, the chief one guards the rims of the Abyss in Briah, which keep demons from coming out.
6 | MALAKHIM
Noted for both beauty & mercy, they are led by Archangel Raphael. Much like some of their prior ranks, I can find little on them.
7 | ELOHIM
They mark the effort for the victory of “Good over Evil”. Also known as “
The Godly Ones” & “The Gods”.
They deal with mortals, they work much for divine-mortal relationships. & work to take the mortals perspectives when needed.
8 | BENE ELOHIM
They focus their work on giving glory to God. Archangel Michael leads them. Also referred to as “Sons of God”. Unlike their leader, Archangel Michael, I can find little more on them.
9 | CHERUBIM
They are more human-like beings. & work with mortals dealing with sin that separates them from God. Archangel Gabriel leads Cherubim. & guarded The Garden of Eden.
10 | ISHIM
They are most like mortal humans, quite human-like, they tend closely to the human world & protect it from supposed demons. Some acting as guardian angels towards mortals. Their leader is Sandalphon.
When on Earth, they take many forms mostly of humans, but some as animals such as dogs.